Pumpkin Patches, State Fairs, Carnivals… it’s a wonderful time of year to be enjoying so many fun things, but our most favorite tradition is the East Texas Yamboree in Gilmer. Chris’s hometown has a modest population of about 5,000 people, but they know how to throw a festival! For over 100 years, the Yamboree celebrates the welcoming culture of East Texas and Gilmer. The entire festival is officially Thursday through Saturday, but kids get to ride rides for half price on Wednesday #testsubjects.  The celebration includes the Queen’s pageant, a school parade, a very elaborate Queen’s parade, Barn Dance, and of course “the square” full of rides, midway games, and yummy fair food.

I love that we’ve been able to share this tradition with the kids.  Walt is a Yamboree veteran. He knows all the rides he wants to ride and patiently waits for his ice cream.  This year was Vivian’s first Yamboree and she did awesome!